More and more households are opting for solutions that combine economic savings with a commitment to the environment. This trend reflects a growing awareness of energy consumption and the search for alternatives to reduce electricity bills. However, alongside the benefits, new concerns arise about how to protect these investments, which are becoming increasingly common in our homes. And this is where the question arises: Does home insurance cover solar panels?
To answer this question, at Ambler, we analyse all the risks associated with installing solar panels and, furthermore, we explain how to properly insure them to protect your home and investment. Let’s see how you can safeguard your installation with the right insurance and avoid any unforeseen issues in the future.
What are the risks of installing solar panels?
Although the benefits of solar panels are clear, there are also certain risks that homeowners should consider when taking out home insurance.
Physical risks
Solar installations are exposed to weather phenomena that can cause damage. Hail, heavy storms, or strong winds can damage solar panels, which could lead to a loss of efficiency or even the need to replace expensive components.
Technical risks
Like any electrical installation, solar panels can experience technical failures. Short circuits, inverter malfunctions, or faulty cables can create risky situations, including fires. It is essential to ensure that the installation is carried out by certified professionals and complies with all safety regulations to minimise these risks.
Vandalism or theft risks
Solar panels, due to their value, can be targeted for theft or vandalism. In addition to material damage, replacing stolen equipment involves a significant cost.
Impact of these risks on family security and finances
If damage or an incident occurs, it can impact both the security of the home and the family’s finances. That is why it is essential to have the right insurance that covers these potential issues and protects both the property and the investment made.
Does insurance cover damage to solar panels?
When talking about protection for homes with solar installations, it is important to understand exactly what the insurance covers and how it affects the investment made.
Detached house
Home insurance usually provides coverage for damage to solar panels, but the extent of this protection depends on the policy taken out and how the insurer classifies the installation. Generally, companies include protection against weather events such as storms, hail, wind, or snow, as well as damage resulting from technical failures, theft, and vandalism. However, not all standard insurance policies explicitly cover solar installations.
Additionally, home insurance may cover civil liability for damages to third parties caused by the solar installation, which is often a requirement for connection to the electrical grid. It is essential to distinguish whether the solar panels are considered part of the “building” (fixed installation) or the “contents” (furniture), as coverage can vary considerably.
Community of owners
In the case of communities of owners, coverage for solar panels installed in common areas may be included in the community’s insurance, provided that the installation is listed in the policy and is considered part of the insured common areas. However, not all community insurance policies automatically cover damage from vandalism or theft. Protection against such incidents depends on the terms of the policy taken out by the community.
For this reason, it is essential for property managers to carefully review the insurance terms to ensure that the solar installation is protected against the main risks. If the coverage is insufficient, they should notify the insurer and request an update to the policy to avoid issues in the event of a claim.
What happens if I want to install solar panels after taking out the insurance?
If you have already taken out home insurance and decide to install solar panels, you must inform your insurer. Why? Because solar panels are not typically automatically covered by an existing policy if they were installed later, so the company will need to include them in the coverage and explain the applicable conditions.
In this way, the insurer can update the policy to cover the solar panels as part of the building or the contents, depending on the company and the type of insurance, and ensure that they are protected against material damage, weather events, theft, or vandalism. If you do not inform the insurer about the installation, you may not be covered in the event of a claim.
Tips for taking out the ideal insurance for homes with solar panels
To protect your investment, here are some tips to ensure your insurance covers everything you need:
Assess the value of the installation
Do you know the costs of your installation, how much the panels or labour have cost? Having a detailed budget helps to correctly declare the value of the insured items. This way, the actual value will not be underestimated, and you will avoid surprises in the event of a claim.
Check coverage for solar panels
Make sure that the policy you take out covers damage from weather events, vandalism, theft, and technical failures. Also, check if it includes electrical damage, short circuits, or installation defects, as not all insurers automatically include these.
Check the fine print
Before taking out any insurance, make sure to review the exclusions and compensation limits. Some policies may have restrictions on the types of damage they cover or the amounts they reimburse. At Ambler, we advise you to choose the option that best suits the characteristics of your installation, ensuring you complete peace of mind.
Organise your documents
Keep all documentation related to the installation and the insurance, including invoices, certificates, and communications with the insurer, for any claims that may arise in the future.
Keep the installation in good condition
Proper maintenance of the solar panels will prevent long-term issues. Make sure to carry out the necessary periodic inspections and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to extend the lifespan of the installation.
Your home, protected with Ambler
Installing solar panels in the home is an excellent way to reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental well-being. But like any investment, it is essential to protect them with the right home insurance that covers the associated risks. Having the right protection will give you peace of mind knowing that both your home and your investment are safeguarded.
If you are considering installing solar panels in your home, do not hesitate to contact Ambler: our expertise in the sector ensures that you can get the most suitable protection at the best price. We will offer you personalised advice and help you find the best coverage option for your needs.
We take care of comparing different insurance companies to offer you a policy that covers potential damage to your solar installation, while also being tailored to the characteristics of your home.
Ensure your peace of mind with the best insurance for your solar installation!
